Every summer, the U.S. Army Field Band invites its alumni to perform with us in concert as part of the Fort Meade Summer Concert Series. We had even more cause to celebrate this year, as 2011 marks the 65th anniversary of the Field Band. The Alumni Concert is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our unit’s heritage. I’ve been playing euphonium with the Concert Band for three years now. One thing I’ve learned is that being a Soldier in the U.S. Army is more than just a job. It is so important to understand the proud traditions and history that shaped what our organization is today.
The Field Band planned a fantastic weekend to celebrate our alumni and the 65th anniversary. Special guests arrived at Fort Meade on Friday morning. After introductions and a few stories, everyone began to rehearse for our Saturday evening concert. Some of our alumni are still active musicians. Others have moved on to different careers, and only dust off their instruments a few times a year. In either case, it doesn’t take long for the alumni to settle in and enjoy playing classic Field Band music.
This concert was special for several reasons. It would mark a change of command. Col. Thomas Palmatier is assuming command of the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” at Fort Meyer, Va., and Col. Tim Holtan will be the new commander of our unit, the U.S. Army Field Band. So, as Palmatier took to the podium to conduct the 1812 Overture, it was a bittersweet moment as we prepared to say goodbye to our commander of the past four years.
Following the 1812 Overture, Holtan led the band in America’s National March,The Stars and Stripes Forever. It was a literal passing of the baton, and a great, musical way to bid farewell to Palmatier and welcome our new commander to the Field Band family.
After wrapping up a great rehearsal, everyone’s mind was on whether or not the concert would actually take place. Hurricane Irene was lumbering toward us and the decision was made to cancel the show. Even though canceling the show was a disappointment, we still had a wonderful time with our alumni. The chance to connect with Field Band veterans and enjoy that fellowship and camaraderie is what makes alumni week important.
For me, the heritage of the Soldier-musicians who served before is extremely important. Living up to their ideals and striving to be worthy of that legacy is something that motivates me to work hard each day. Every single veteran has a story to tell. Realizing that my time with the Field Band has an impact, and that my story will be a part of this history is extremely gratifying, a constant reminder to do my best.
This Fort Meade Live blog was written by Staff Sergeant Lauren Veronie. Staff Sgt. Veronie has performed on euphonium with the U.S. Army Field Band, Washington, D.C. since 2008. As a member of the “Musical Ambassadors of the Army,” Veronie travels over 100 days each year, touring and playing music across the nation. At the University of North Texas, she earned her Master of Music in Euphonium Performance with a related field in Instrumental Conducting (2007) and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree (2005). Prior to joining the Field Band, Veronie recorded extensively with the North Texas Wind Symphony, performed with the Dallas Wind Symphony and the Houston Symphonic Band, and was as active soloist, chamber musician and teacher in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area.
